Charlotte Perriand high Berger stool Steph Simon France 1953

Charlotte Perriand

Paris, France 1903 – 1999
Architect, designer

This is for an iconic stool designed by Charlotte Perriand, and manufactured by Steph Simon France, 1953. the Berger stool exemplifies her unique ability to merge traditional craftsmanship with modernist principles. Inspired by the simple, utilitarian stools used by shepherds in the French Alps, the Berger stool reflects Perriand’s deep appreciation for rural design and natural materials, a hallmark of her work. This high stool features a tripod base for stability and a slightly concave wooden seat for comfort. Its solid mahogany wood construction, more often crafted from ash or walnut, highlights the material’s natural beauty, left raw or lightly finished to emphasize its organic qualities. While rooted in tradition, the design is unmistakably modern, showcasing clean lines and functional elegance. This stool shows a fantastic original patina, roughly used, but charactaristic as it gets. Its hard to find an original untouched copy of the Berger stool, like this one.

Perriand’s work often sought to humanize modernism by incorporating artisanal techniques and emphasizing usability. The Berger stool embodies this ethos, blending timeless simplicity with ergonomic considerations. Its versatility as a stool, side table, or decorative object has contributed to its enduring appeal. Initially produced in small quantities for alpine chalets and resorts, the Berger stool became widely admired and was later manufactured under license by companies such as Cassina. Today, it remains a symbol of Perriand’s vision—melding tradition and innovation while respecting both nature and craftsmanship.

Charlotte Perriand (1903–1999) was a pioneering modernist whose career spanned architecture and furniture design. Known for her collaborations with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, she later developed a distinct style that integrated industrial design with natural materials and regional influences. The Berger stool, now an iconic piece of 20th-century design, reflects Perriand’s genius for creating functional, timeless furniture. Its understated beauty and practicality ensure its place as a classic in both contemporary and rustic interiors, resonating with modern audiences and collectors alike.

Literature;
Charlotte Perriand: Jacques Barsac, Complete Works Volume 2, 1940-1955, Paris, 2015, pp. 162-63, 169, 302-303, 305, 311, 380-381
Charlotte Perriand: Jacques Barsac, Complete Works Volume 3, 1956-1968, Paris, 2017, p. 40-41,90